China Launches Large-Scale Military Exercises Around Taiwan in Show of Force

China's military has launched a new round of war games near Taiwan, with exercises taking place in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. The drills, which began on Monday, are a "stern warning" against "separatist acts" by forces promoting Taiwan independence, according to Beijing. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control. The exercises involve fighter jets and warships and are a part of China's efforts to encircle Taiwan. Taiwan's President William Lai has convened national security meetings to discuss the island's response to the drills, which have been described as "unwarranted" by the United States.